Staff Recommendations

Keep checking back for the latest recommendations from our Full Circle Staffers!

Recommended by Theresa

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik: Have you ever read a book and squeal with happiness because it was such a good book? This is what this book did to me. It is a loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin set in Eastern Europe. Read it! It was wonderful!

Lost Boy by Christina Henry: “A really good and quick read! A very interesting retelling of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. You will never think about those two the same way again!”

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo: “A loose and dark retelling of Disney’s Little Mermaid. In which the princess siren will bow to no one and the prince does not want to rule a kingdom. Read it!”

Recommended by Bella

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily XR Pan:“This book is beyond moving! With colorful, vivid imagery, much like The Book Thief, this young girl’s journey will take you far across the world, transcending space, time, and death. Beautiful!”

Recommended by Bethany

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang:“The CUTEST story about a prince who moonlights as Lady Crystallia, a fashionista who everyone looks to for the newest trend. A beautiful graphic novel about acceptance.”

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough: “A book about Artemisia Gentileschi, the iconic artist of the 1600’s. Written in prose, this book is poignant, beautiful, tragic and triumphant.” Trigger Warning: Rape

The Witch Doesn’t Burn In This One by Amanda Lovelace: “Another book of readable poetry with an important message, bringing you through rage and then empowerment.” Recommended for ages 16+

The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace: “Very readable poetry that takes you through a story of grief, recovery, and empowerment. Recommended for ages 16+

Sissy by Jacob Tobia: “A ‘coming-of-self’ story. This book is hilarious and heart felt. It’s a beautiful journey to self-love.”

Recommended by Brand

Hits and Misses by Simon Rich: Whether you’re a has-been, a never-was, or an ungrateful success, Hits and Misses is the perfect read. Rich is THE funniest writer of his generation, and this book is proof. A tell-all by Paul Revere’s bitter horse, a dinosaur too out of touch for his screenwriting job and a GQ profile on Hitler combine to create a collection of short stories that will help you laugh to keep from crying. If you love the genius of Simon Rich as much as I do I recommend you polish this off with Rich’s The Last Girlfriend on Earth and Spoiled Brats.

The Perfect Pass by SC Gwynne: “What Michael Lewis’s Moneyball did for baseball, S.C Gwynne’s The Perfect Pass does for football. The Perfect Pass chronicles the underdog story of Hal Mumme and the “Air Raid” offense’s revolution through the ranks of high school, college, and ultimately modern professional football strategy. Whether you’re a football fan or just a fan of great storytelling, ThePerfect Pass is the perfect book for you.”

Recommended by Cat

Farewell to Manzanar Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston: “As told by a girl who lived through it, this is story about the last time in American History people in power decided fear was more important than human life. It deals with life in the hodgepodge internment camps Japanese-Americans were forced into in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. It is a story that is very poignant, as we as a society have begun forcing undocumented immigrants into a similar situation, and many people don’t realize it’s happening.”

The Future Is History by Masha Gessen: “This is a look into the lives of those who lived through the rise of the Putin regime in Russia. Gessen continues to be an incredible voice and an exceptional author.”

The Power by Naomi Alderman: “This is a wonderful thought experiment of what life may be like if power belonged to women in society” Trigger Warning: Rape & Violent Acts

Factfulness by Hans Rosling: “This is a LOVELY book that proves that the world isn’t in such bad shape as we think. It very clearly lays out information regarding world health statistics and information about world poverty that I found delightfully unexpected. If you’re feeling a lot of anxiety about the state of society, which I definitely have been, this is absolutely worth a read.”

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila: “Honestly, this book is just a bunch of pictures of cats looking absolutely ridiculous. I love it.”

Scythe by Neal Shusterman: “An interesting look at death and society told through the eyes of two young apprentices.”

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol: “This is a lovely story about fitting in, and if you don’t, finding your own way.”

Less by Andrew Sean Greer: “This one takes a moment to pick up, but the humor and heart is worth the effort.”

Recommended by Dana

Autumn by Ali Smith: “OK, you have to stick with this book and think about it for awhile, but I think you will end up loving it! It is very timely and thought provoking. Best of all, it is the first of a series of “seasons.”

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate: “Based on true stories, this is a lovely book about the search for one’s roots and family. It’s hard to fathom such malevolence in the world, but the ending makes it all worthwhile.”

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert: “The first few paragraphs of this book promise a dark journey. Although it wasn’t the journey I was expecting – it is a wild and fantastical ride. Magical realism at its best.”

Recommended by Heath

Circe by Madeline Miller: “I loved this book! Circe is for anyone who loves Greek mythology, magic, and strong women. Miller expertly researches her subject so that she may take creative liberties when telling her own version of the Circe legend! It will not disappoint!”

Our Kind of Cruelty by Araminta Hall: “This book is for the reader who loves Gone Girl and other stories that delve into the darker side of the human psyche. this book is not for the faint of heart and may include a few *trigger warnings* for the more sensitive reader.”

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera: “I really enjoyed this emotional and thought-provoking book! While the book centers on death, it is truly a celebration of life. This is for the reader who likes a little romance, a little adventure, and whole lot of feeling!”

Recommended by Ian

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman: “This hypnotic love story between a grad student and a professor’s son is now on the big screen, but Aciman’s hypnotic, lyrical prose deserves attention. Heartbreaking and tender, this is a queer love story of the 1980’s, but also, perhaps, for us now.”

My Year of Rest and Relaxationby Ottessa Moshfegh: “Our unnamed narrator- an orphaned college grad- decides to hibernate for a year to resolve past trauma. With help from a fraudulent psychiatrist and a coterie of dysfunctional friends, she embarks on her project of “healing,” which quickly becomes an enthralling, darkly personal account of memory, addiction, and the ability to start over.”

Recommended by Julia

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay: “Bleak. Bloody. Bold. Noted horror writer Tremblay turns an impending apocalypse story on its head when four strangers approach a remote cabin, giving the residing family a devastating and impossible choice to make to save the world”

A Guide for Murdered Children by Sarah Sparrow: “Murdered children use the bodies of recently deceased adults as vessels to exact their revenge on their killers. Creepy and weird? Yes. Well written with twists and surprises and a non-irritating multi-narrative? Yes! This book is definitely not for the meek, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable tale of redemption with a satisfying ending if you don’t mind one or two loose ends.”

Vox by Christina Dalcher: “In our political climate, this book is quite frightening. Our characters and their actions, though, remind us that people will rise up to support the rights of others. This book is for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984.”

Recommended by Julie

Think Like An Artist by Will Gompertz:“I learned so much about how artists think- from Andy Warhol to Vincent Van Gogh. If things were not going well they reinvented themselves. We are all artists. We are all creative We can all think like an artist and lead more creative lives.”

Soul Space by Xorin Balbes: “Very informative and easy to read: Clearing your home can actually help you in all areas of your life! You can take easy steps to clear your space and your head!”

The Voice of Knowledgeby Don Miguel Ruiz: “I have read all of Ruiz’s books. They are amazing and this one was no exception. He tells us to remember we are born perfect and we die perfect. Do not believe in all the pre-programming people tell us- like we should be this or that. We are just perfect.

The Lost City of the Monkey God by D. Preston: “A true story of an expedition into the Honduran Jungle- one of the densest in the world. A myth of lost civilization lures explorers, archaeologists, and the like into the deadly jungle. Wowie, what a story, which starts with the description of a Fer de Lance- a poisonous and aggressive snake.”

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero: I loved this book! It was well written and funny. The author took all my favorite self-help books and rolled them into one. She tells you the way to “get over yourself already” and live your best life. Remember, “what other people think of you is none of your business!”

Recommended by Linda

Good Karma by Christina Kelly: “Catherine’s husband, Ralph, has decided it’s time to retire. Catherine, Ralph, and her beloved Boston Terrier, Karma, relocate to a gated retirement community off the coast of Savannah. Ralph plays poker and golf and flirts with the pretty real estate agent, while Catherine hangs out with the gang at the dog park. Will their 40 plus year marriage survive?”

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg: “85-year-old, Arthur Moses, has been a widower for 6 months. He visits his wife’s grave every day for lunch no matter what. One day, he meets 17-year-old Maddy Harris at the cemetery where she comes to escape the bullies at school during lunch hour. Thus, begins a very unconventional friendship. This story is reminiscent of Kent Haruf’s Plainsong novels.”

Recommended by Steven

The Arrival by Shaun Tan: “This graphic novel wordlessly conveys more than most dense books. its subject is the immigrant experience- its wonder and its terror, its tragedy and its comedy. While slim, The Arrival rewards attention with its rich art.”

The Library Book by Susan Orlean: “The author believes books have souls. In saying so, she amplifies the tragedy of the L.A library fires, casting it as a sort of massacre. But her true feat is in her depiction of the city rallying to resurrect an indispensable cultural institution.”

Recommended by Molly

The Line Becomes a River by Francisco Cantu: ” The U.S/Mexican border is more than a symbol in this intensely told book, written by a former border patrol officer and son of Mexican immigrants. Timely, urgent, and astonishing.”

Recommended by Jennifer

Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson: “Over twelve beautifully crafted short stories, readers encounter ghosts, romance, lots of laughter and love, a few tears, but also a real presence of Christmas… hopeful kindness, maybe? It’s a wonderful read for any mood, especially if you’re in the mood to just connect.”

Slow Horses by Mick Herron: “First of a great series! For fans of mystery/ adventure novels but who appreciate a sense of humor and quirky characters. Set in London, MI5 agent River Cartwright has screwed up- big time. He joins the “Slow Horses” (other disgraced MI5 agents) but uses kidnapping to get back on the top brass’ good side.

The Garden Café at Full Circle Bookstore serves a delectable breakfast menu and a delicious selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and sweets for lunch. We also offer a variety of after-hour nibbles, as well as wine and local beers. Join us for breakfast Monday-Friday, from 8:00-10:00am, and lunch Monday- Saturday from 11:30am-2:00pm.

In addition, our Java Joe Coffee Bar can make any espresso or cappuccino drink you may want.

Please refer to our Garden Cafe tab at the top of our site for detailed menus.
You may also call ahead for “To Go” orders, 842-2900.